David ‘Fred’ Hockert, 75, of Nappanee, Ind., passed away unexpectedly of natural causes, Thursday, July 11, 2013, at Elkhart General Hospital, where he had been admitted July 1.

He was born June 26, 1938, in Nappanee, to David and Jeanette (Richmond) Hockert. Fred was a graduate of Nappanee High School and was a lifetime area resident. On Aug. 8, 1958, he married Linda Stump in Nappanee.

Fred had worked at the Associates in South Bend, Ind., and had been a plant manager for several local companies including Harbor Craft Boat and Creative Dimensions. He had managed McCormick Creek Golf Course for 8 years before retirement. Fred attended Nappanee Missionary Church. He loved his granddaughters who referred to him as “Papa”. He was an avid golfer and bowler, enjoyed walking his dogs Dixie and Daisy, and enjoyed working outside with flowers.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter: Beth (Brad) Sechrist, Nappanee; granddaughters: Bella and Beighlor Sechrist; a sister: Candace (Robert) Schnepp, Beiverton, Mich.; and brother: Steve (Kathy) Hockert, Nappanee.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brad ‘Rocky’ Hockert.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, July 15, at the Nappanee Missionary Church Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m. Monday, at the church. Pastor Dave Engbrecht will officiate and burial will be in South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Nappanee Missionary Church for the Kenya Baby Center. Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.